FAU's Partridge signs record class in record time

A between-the-tackles power runner, Howell is the kind of running back that enjoys contact, and in FAU's run-heavy spread offense, that'll be well-received.

Joe Gold, OL, 6-3, 260, South Fort Myers

One of the state's best run-blockers, Gold was a hold-over commitment from the Carl Pelini era that Charlie Partridge had no qualms in holding.

Kris Harris, LB, 6-0, 220, Godby (Tallahassee)

Harris is not the tallest linebacker, but he's one of the state's best hitters. Linebacker is a position of need for the Owls, who will likely groom Harris to play in the middle.

Marquese Dudley-Gordon, S, 6-1, 190, Cypress Bay

Recruited by Pitt, Arkansas and Cincinnati, Dudley-Gordon was one of Broward County's top defensive players in the Class of 2014. Academic issues scared teams off, but the Owls swooped in and landed a three-star player who could compete for playing time immediately.

Landon Scheer, K, 5-8, 180, First Academy (Orlando)

Yes, he's a kicker — but he's not just any kicker. Scheer is the No. 1 rated kicker in the country according to 247sports. It's the first time FAU has signed a No. 1 player, and it comes at a position of need. Scheer will have the inside track for the starting job in the fall.

REST OF THE CLASS

Jacob Wilson, TE, 6-4, 230, Chipley

Jake Stoshak, ATH, 6-0, 175, University Christian (Jacksonville)

Jason Driskel, QB, 6-2, 215, Hagerty (Oviedo)

Nicholas Richardson, LB, 6-4, 210, Miami-Carol City

Trey Rodriguez, RB. 5-10, 170, Mainland (Daytona Beach)

Matt Solt, LB, 6-2, 215, Gainesville

Andrew Soroh, DB, 6-2, 190, American (Hialeah)

Byers Hickman, OL, 6-5, 255, Gainesville

Henry Bussey, WR, 5-10, 170, Hialeah

Hunter Snyder, DE, 6-6, 225, East Lake (Tarpon Springs)

Devin Santana, DT, 6-4, 215, Sickles (Tampa)

Josh Kendall, DT, 6-3, 275, Lehigh

Nate Terry, WR, 6-5, 200, South Dade (Hialeah)

Raekwon Williams, DB, 5-10, 170, Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville)

Ray Ellis, DT, 6-2, 260, Holy Spirit (Absecon, N.J.)

Reginald Bain, OL, 6-4, 265, Miami Central

Siffo Pierre, OL, 6-3, 330, Taravella

THE BUZZ

Assessment

In less than two months, Partridge and the FAU coaching staff assembled what is, according to the major recruiting websites, the best class in program history. Ninety five percent of the class is from Florida with 15 members of the class being from the southern part of the state.

Big catch

Howell was a late-riser on many recruiting boards across the nation, which made him a possible flip until the final minute. FAU was able to secure his signature without much stress Wednesday. He's expected to compete for playing time immediately.

Got away

Partridge was the main recruiter of South Plantation running back Alex Collins at Arkansas last year. Collins' mother stole his National Letter of Intent on NSD 2013 and later refused to sign it. Collins didn't sign with the Razorbacks until a day later.

Few stories will top that, but Partridge said he was happy to have a smooth first NSD with the Owls. Every expected national letter-of-intent was faxed in before 2 p.m. and the Owls weren't subject to any last-minute hat games.

"One of the more smooth NLI days I've ever been a part of. Today was about as smooth as it could possibly go," Partridge said.

Quote of note

Partridge: "What we wanted address, needs, and we wanted to focus on the state of Florida and we feel like we've accomplished those things. … Another focus-point for us was south of the I-4 corridor. We got what we emphasized."